Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Six geese a-laying (the six days of creation) Saturday, December 30, 2000 Luke 2:36-40 There was also a prophetess, Anna...she never left the temple but worshiped night and day...she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child...and the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him." Looking through old pictures now at the end of the year, end of the millennium, the end of something...we saw a beautiful child named Anna...Anna Marie Cisco, a baby of great promise whose heart was broken and who died far too soon, only a couple years of earthly life but taken to heaven on the wings of angels. Heart surgery as an infant gave her a little time with her parents, and with so many others who also loved her...it gave us time with her. Anna's peacefulness, her vulnerability, touched us as we watched her blossom in the arms of God. At the Waynesville Christian Church - her home, her parents' home, our home then - is a room full of books and memories of Anna, the library, beautifully appointed and dedicated to the sweethearted little girl who inspired so many to reach up beyond what they thought possible and ask the Lord for miracles. Anna never leaves the temple. Jesus grew strong and wise and full of grace. Grace full. Songs of blessing and watchfulness accompanied his childhood. So...did he play like I did? Was he held like we held Anna? Did he...? Before he was killed, Rich Mullins wrote a wonderful song, "Boy Like Me, Man Like You"... Did You wrestle with a dog and lick his nose? Did You play beneath the spray of a water hose? Did You ever make angels in the winter snow? Did they tell You stories about the saints of old, Stories about their faith? They say stories like that make a boy grow bold, Stories like that make a man walk straight... Did You ever get scared playing hide and seek? Did you try not to cry when You scraped your knee? Did You ever skip a rock across a quiet creek? You was a boy like I was once... And if I ever really do grow up Lord I want to grow up and be just like You... Let me believe in my life the way You believe in me, Lord. Teach me to rejoice and reclaim all the possibilities, for all things are possible with You, and give me peace with what You do in me and through me. Amen. "; Add      Edit    Delete